Suspect in multiple tablet thefts in Maine, NH turns self in

ROCHESTER, N.H. — Police on Thursday arrested a 26-year-old man suspected of stealing iPads and tablets in retail stores in several communities in both New Hampshire and Maine.

Shaun Ellis, 26, who is listed as a transient, turned himself in Thursday after police obtained two search warrants for his arrest.

According to police, Ellis went to several retailers in the region and asked to look at an iPad or a Samsung tablet from a locked case. He allegedly then took the electronic devices and ran out the door.

Earlier this month, police issued a press release about Ellis, warning local retailers about the thefts.

According to the statement, Ellis was a person of interest in connection with multiple thefts of iPads and Samsung tablets from retailers in Somersworth, Newington, Greenland and Rochester, as well as the Maine communities of South Portland and Biddeford.

On Thursday, Ellis was charged with two counts of willful concealment. One count alleges he shoplifted at Walmart in Rochester on New Year’s Day, and another alleges he shoplifted at Kmart in Rochester on Jan. 5.

After the alleged shoplifting incident on Jan. 1, police sent out images of Ellis, gathered from surveillance footage of various retailers.

According to Police Chief Michael Allen, police were able to identify Ellis with help from the public through Facebook.

After his arrest Thursday, Ellis was held at Strafford County jail on $5,000 cash bail. He was arraigned Friday morning at Rochester Circuit Court.

Rochester police remind residents that shoplifting will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and according to state statute RSA 637:3-a (g), a person who has twice been convicted of shoplifting within a 36-month period shall be charged with a Class B felony on the third offense.